The leaders focused on deepening political, defence, and security cooperation, alongside boosting trade, investment, and people-to-people connections. Discussions also covered connectivity, health, science and technology, start-ups, innovation, digital collaboration, education, culture, and tourism, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
Several memoranda of understanding were signed, spanning handlooms and handicrafts, digital technologies, micro, small, and medium enterprises, and maritime heritage. Modi emphasised expanding mutual trade and business exchanges, noting plans to enhance cooperation in renewable energy, digital technology, electric vehicles, robotics, space, biotechnology, and start-ups. “We will work on physical and FinTech connectivity,” he said.
The meeting, the second between Modi and Shinawatra after their October 2024 encounter at the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, underscored Thailand’s strategic role in India’s Indo-Pacific vision. The BIMSTEC Summit, involving Bay of Bengal nations, follows Friday, reinforcing regional collaboration.
The upgraded partnership reflects growing alignment between New Delhi and Bangkok amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region.
First Published: Apr 3, 2025 9:13 PM IS
